Centenary Sacco, a leading savings and credit cooperative society in Kenya, has been empowering individuals and communities since its inception in 2003. With a mission to provide affordable financial services, Centenary Sacco has grown from a modest beginning to a financial powerhouse with over 30,000 members and an asset base exceeding Ksh 1.32 billion. This article serves as a detailed guide to Centenary Sacco’s branches, contact information, and the wide array of financial products and services they offer. Whether you’re seeking to join, explore loan options, or understand their services, this comprehensive overview has all you need to know.
Introduction to Centenary Sacco
Centenary Sacco was established to address the need for efficient, accessible, and affordable financial services in Meru County and beyond. Founded in 1999 and officially registered on March 18, 2003, under the Co-operative Societies Act (registration certificate No. 10068), the Sacco was later licensed as a Deposit-Taking Sacco (DTS) by the Sacco Societies Regulatory Authority (SASRA) in 2011. Its roots trace back to the vision of the late Fr. Salesius Kirianthia, who established the first Sacco in the Catholic Diocese of Meru in the late 1970s.
Headquartered at the Intercity Building along the Meru-Nanyuki Highway, Centenary Sacco has expanded its footprint with branches in Chuka, Kinoro, Marimanti, Mutuati, Timau, and Nkubu. With a focus on financial inclusion, the Sacco caters to individuals, groups, and institutions, offering tailored financial solutions to drive economic prosperity. Its motto, “Ushirika with a difference,” reflects its commitment to member-centric services, low-interest loans, competitive savings rates, and innovative financial products.
Why Choose Centenary Sacco?
- Affordable Financial Services: Low-interest loans and competitive savings rates ensure maximum value for members.
- Financial Literacy Programs: Training to help members manage their finances effectively.
- 24/7 Accessibility: Mobile and online banking for convenient account management.
- Community Focus: A commitment to socio-economic change and financial empowerment.
- Wide Reach: Multiple branches across Meru County and beyond for easy access.
Centenary Sacco Branches and Contact Information
Centenary Sacco operates seven branches strategically located to serve members across Meru County and surrounding areas. Below is a detailed list of each branch, including contact details and locations, to help you connect with the nearest office.
1. Meru Headquarters
- Location: Intercity Building, Meru-Nanyuki Highway, Meru Town
- Postal Address: P.O. Box 1207-60200, Meru
- Phone: +254 715 467 290
- Email: info@centenarysacco.org
- Description: The Meru HQ serves as the central hub for Centenary Sacco’s operations. Located in the heart of Meru Town, it offers a full range of Front Office Services Activity (FOSA) and Back Office Services Activity (BOSA) products, including savings accounts, loans, and financial advisory services.
2. Chuka Branch
- Location: Chuka Town
- Phone: +254 736 542 426
- Email: info@centenarysacco.org
- Description: The Chuka branch caters to members in Tharaka-Nithi County, providing accessible financial services such as salary loans, agricultural loans, and savings accounts tailored for individuals and groups.
3. Kinoro Branch
- Location: Kinoro
- Phone: +254 732 880 930
- Email: info@centenarysacco.org
- Description: Serving the Kinoro community, this branch focuses on delivering personalized financial solutions, including group loans and savings accounts for local businesses and farmers.
4. Marimanti Branch
- Location: Marimanti
- Phone: +254 731 065 744
- Email: info@centenarysacco.org
- Description: The Marimanti branch supports members in rural areas with financial products like the Kamua Pesa loan for dairy farmers and Vuna Majani loan for tea farmers.
5. Timau Branch
- Location: Timau, Meru
- Phone: +254 798 362 858
- Email: info@centenarysacco.org
- Description: Located in Timau, this branch offers convenient access to financial services for members in the northern part of Meru County, including fixed deposit accounts and salary advances.
6. Mutuati Branch
- Location: Mutuati, Meru
- Phone: +254 789 406 551
- Email: info@centenarysacco.org
- Description: The Mutuati branch provides financial services to rural communities, with a focus on agricultural loans and savings accounts to support local farmers and entrepreneurs.
7. Nkubu Branch
- Location: Nkubu, Meru
- Phone: +254 729 076 184
- Email: info@centenarysacco.org
- Description: Serving the Nkubu community, this branch offers a range of financial products, including Jifunze Junior accounts for young savers and group loans for community-based organizations.
How to Contact Centenary Sacco
For inquiries or assistance, you can reach Centenary Sacco through:
- General Phone: +254 715 467 290
- Email: info@centenarysacco.org
- Physical Visit: Intercity Building, Meru-Nanyuki Highway, Meru Town
- Website: www.centenarysacco.org
- Social Media: Follow Centenary Sacco on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and WhatsApp for updates on services and promotions.
Financial Products and Services
Centenary Sacco offers a diverse range of financial products through its FOSA and BOSA divisions, designed to meet the needs of individuals, salaried employees, farmers, and groups. Below is an overview of their key offerings.
Savings Accounts
Centenary Sacco provides various savings accounts to cater to different member needs:
- Individual Savings Account: Ideal for non-salaried members, requiring a minimum balance of Ksh 100 with no ledger fees.
- Salary Account: Designed for salaried employees, with a minimum balance of Ksh 100 and no ledger fees.
- Group/Institutional Account: Tailored for organizations and groups, requiring a minimum balance of Ksh 500.
- Jifunze Junior Account: Encourages saving among children under 18, with a minimum balance of Ksh 500 and 5% monthly compound interest on balances above Ksh 5,000.
- Fixed Deposit Account: Offers higher returns for long-term deposits, with interest rates based on prevailing Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) rates.
Loan Products
Centenary Sacco’s loan products are designed to support members’ financial goals, with flexible repayment terms and competitive interest rates:
- Salary Loans: Available to salaried members with salaries channeled through FOSA for at least one month. Loan amounts are up to nine times two-thirds of the member’s salary, repayable within 12 months.
- Salary Advance: Provides quick access to funds for salaried members, up to three times two-thirds of their salary, repayable within six months, with employer endorsement.
- Kamua Pesa Loan: Tailored for dairy farmers with FOSA accounts, offering up to nine times the average of three months’ payouts, repayable within 12 months.
- Vuna Majani Loan: Designed for tea farmers, with loan amounts based on previous years’ production (in kilograms), repayable within 12 months.
- Agricultural Loans: Support farmers in purchasing equipment or expanding operations, with flexible repayment options.
- Group Loans: Cater to community-based organizations and groups, promoting collective financial growth.
Additional Services
- FOSA Utility Services: Include personalized cheque books and mobile banking for convenient fund access.
- Financial Literacy Training: Programs to enhance members’ financial management skills.
- Retirement Savings Plans: Secure, well-managed funds for long-term financial security.
- 24/7 Online and Mobile Banking: Access accounts anytime, anywhere.
- Customer Support: Round-the-clock phone support for quick issue resolution.
Membership Eligibility and Requirements
Centenary Sacco welcomes individuals and groups above 18 years of age, regardless of economic status. To join, members must:
- Complete the membership application form available at any branch or online.
- Provide identification documents (e.g., national ID or passport).
- Submit two recent passport-sized photographs.
- Pay the required membership fee (contact the Sacco for the current fee structure).
- Maintain the minimum balance for the chosen savings account.
Once registered, members gain access to Centenary Sacco’s full range of financial products and services. The Sacco’s inclusive approach ensures that everyone, from salaried employees to farmers and small business owners, can benefit from its offerings.
Why Centenary Sacco Stands Out
Centenary Sacco’s growth from 800 members in 2008 to over 30,000 today reflects its commitment to financial inclusion and member satisfaction. Key differentiators include:
- Low-Interest Loans: Competitive rates make borrowing affordable.
- Community Impact: Programs that drive socio-economic change in Meru County and beyond.
- Innovative Products: Tailored financial solutions for diverse member needs.
- Strong Asset Base: Over Ksh 1.32 billion in assets, ensuring stability and reliability.
- Member-Centric Approach: A focus on members’ best interests rather than profits.
Testimonials from members highlight the Sacco’s impact:
- “The agricultural loan I received from Centenary Sacco allowed me to purchase new equipment and increase my farm’s productivity. Their flexible repayment options make it easy to manage.”
- “I’m grateful for Centenary Sacco’s retirement savings plan. It gave me peace of mind knowing I had a secure and well-managed fund for my future.”
- “The salary advance from Centenary Sacco helped me manage unexpected expenses without the hassle. Their quick approval process is fantastic!”
How to Get Started with Centenary Sacco
Joining Centenary Sacco is straightforward:
- Visit the nearest branch or the Meru HQ at Intercity Building, Meru-Nanyuki Highway.
- Contact the Sacco via phone (+254 715 467 290) or email (info@centenarysacco.org) for guidance.
- Download the membership form from www.centenarysacco.org.
- Submit the required documents and fees.
- Start enjoying the Sacco’s financial products and services.
For existing members, the Sacco’s mobile and online banking platforms provide seamless access to accounts, loan applications, and financial management tools.
Future Growth and Vision
Centenary Sacco aims to be the leading Sacco in Kenya, with a vision to register over 60,000 members in the next five years. By expanding its branch network, enhancing digital services, and introducing new financial products, the Sacco is poised for continued growth. Its commitment to financial inclusion and community empowerment ensures that it remains a trusted partner for members across Kenya.
Centenary Sacco is more than a financial institution; it’s a catalyst for economic prosperity and financial empowerment. With seven accessible branches, a wide range of financial products, and a member-centric approach, Centenary Sacco is well-positioned to meet the diverse needs of its members. Whether you’re in Meru, Chuka, Kinoro, Marimanti, Timau, Mutuati, or Nkubu, Centenary Sacco’s branches and contact points are ready to serve you. Visit their headquarters, call, or email today to start your journey toward financial security and growth.
For more information, visit www.centenarysacco.org or contact the Meru HQ at +254 715 467 290 or info@centenarysacco.org.